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2018 Nissan Kicks: A New Subcompact SUV Joins The Lineup

SUVs are hot! We Americans can’t get enough of them. SUVs and trucks combined are now over two-thirds of new car sales. The demand is high, so manufacturers are building out their SUV lineups. The 2018 Nissan Kicks is a recently announced addition to Nissan’s SUV lineup.

Today, SUVs come in all shapes and sizes. You don’t want a traditional boxy body style? No problem, there are coupe-styled SUVs from not only the German luxury brands, but also from Toyota, with its CH-R.

Fewer and fewer buyers want cars. Compact and subcompact cars have been particularly hard hit by the SUV craze. But entry-level buyers are still there. And the manufacturers’ answer to them is the growing subcompact SUV segment.

These mini-SUVs provide the interior space of a compact sedan in a smaller, low-priced vehicle that sits you up high. They have also become a popular, right-sized choice for city dwellers. Started by Honda’s HR-V and Mazda’s CX-3, and recently joined by Ford’s EcoSport and Hyundai’s Kona, this group will have a new competitor, arriving in June of 2018: the Nissan Kicks.

Kicks Is One Size Smaller Than The Rogue

The 2018 Nissan Kicks is smaller in every dimension than its compact sibling, the Nissan Rogue (Kicks is listed first, followed by Rogue):

Wheelbase: 103.1” vs. 106.5”

Length: 169.1” vs. 184.5”

Width: 69.3” vs. 72.4”

Height: 62.4” vs. 68″

Total interior volume: 119.2 cu.ft. vs. 145.1 cu.ft.

One Engine, One Transmission, One Drive System

The 2018 Nissan Kicks has but a single drivetrain. Its standard 1.6L four-cylinder has an output of 125 horsepower. It drives the front wheels through an Xtronic CVT automatic transmission. There is no all-wheel drive option. Anticipated fuel economy is 33 mpg combined.

Three 2018 Nissan Kicks Trim Levels Available

The 2018 Nissan Kicks will be available in three trim levels: S, SV, and SR. Seven exterior colors will be offered, plus five two-tone combinations with contrasting body and roof colors.

Should You Lease A 2018 Nissan Kicks?

If one of these teeny SUVs is on your radar, the 2018 Kicks should be a decent vehicle to lease. Nissan usually has very competitive lease deals available, and the Kicks should be no exception. It will be priced below the Rogue, so its monthly payment should be very affordable. Be sure to drive the other vehicles in its competitive set, and go with the one that speaks your language.

The 2018 Nissan Kicks will be available at your local Nissan dealer in June of 2018. Its starting sticker price is estimated to be around $19,000.